Multiple compartment syringe

ABSTRACT

Various syringe systems are disclosed. One illustrative syringe system may include a syringe body having a hollow lumen and a distal end. The syringe body may be configured to house a plurality of fluids therein. A first plunger may be positioned in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a first seal with an inner wall of the syringe body, and forming a first compartment between the first plunger and the distal end of the syringe. A second plunger may be positioned proximal to the first plunger in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a second seal with the inner wall of the syringe body, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger and the second plunger. A plurality of recesses may be disposed about the inner wall of the syringe body near the distal end of the syringe body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.13/802,372, filed Mar. 13, 2013 and entitled “Multiple CompartmentSyringe,” and which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

During a radiological procedure, a contrast medium may be administeredto provide improved imaging of anatomical features in a patient. Aphysician may typically order a specific amount of contrast mediumdeemed necessary to view these anatomical features. Since the contrastmedium may be expensive, it may be important to make sure that thecomplete dose is administered and that little or no waste is generated.In addition, the contrast medium may need to be pushed to a region ofinterest or diluted to avoid too much contrast in a region of interest.

Previous attempts to ensure complete contrast medium administration,pushing to a region of interest, and/or dilution involved injecting aflushing material, such as saline solution and/or the like, immediatelyafter the contrast medium in order to flush the administration tube ofall residual contrast medium, push the contrast to a region of interest,or dilute the contrast. In some radiological procedures, this may becompleted by means of an automated device. However, in some radiologicalprocedures, a manual device may be used for various reasons, such as,for example, an automated device is not available or the procedure doesnot require the level of delivery control that can be afforded by anautomated device. However, the manual devices currently used in the artlack an ability to control delivery in a manner similar to an automateddevice, thus leading to waste of contrast medium, improperly deliveredcontrast medium, and/or improperly diluted contrast medium.

Furthermore, it may be necessary to assure that the access vein of thepatient remains open when the contrast medium is not actively beingdelivered. For some patients with diseased vasculature, the vein maycollapse when not being actively supplied by contrast medium. In such acondition, some amount of fluid, such as saline solution and/or thelike, may be delivered to the vein to keep the vein open (“KVO”).

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a syringe may include a syringe body having a hollowlumen and a distal end, and the syringe body may be configured to housea plurality of fluids therein. A first plunger may be positioned in thehollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a first seal with an innerwall of the syringe body, and forming a first compartment between thefirst plunger and the distal end of the syringe. A second plunger may bepositioned proximal to the first plunger in the hollow lumen of thesyringe body, forming a second seal with the inner wall of the syringebody, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger and thesecond plunger. A plurality of recesses may be disposed about the innerwall of the syringe body near the distal end of the syringe body. Inspecific embodiments a fluid bypass may be disposed about the inner wallof the syringe body and the first plunger at or near the distal end ofthe syringe body, wherein a first fluid can flow through the fluidbypass to the second compartment. The syringe may further comprise amechanism for proximally moving the first plunger to a position proximalto the fluid bypass such that the first plunger forms the first seal.The mechanism may comprise a variety of mechanism such as one of aslidable end cap at the distal end of the syringe body, a push rodconfigured to push the first plunger in the proximal direction, and asleeve comprising at least one magnet at or near the distal end of thesleeve and in magnetic communication with at least one magnet orferromagnetic material in the first plunger.

In an embodiment, a syringe system may include a syringe body having ahollow lumen and a distal end comprising a syringe tip, and the syringebody may be configured to house a plurality of fluids therein.Additionally, a first plunger may be positioned in the hollow lumen ofthe syringe body, forming a first seal with an inner wall of the syringebody, and forming a first compartment between the first plunger and thedistal end of the syringe. A second plunger may be positioned proximalto the first plunger in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming asecond seal with the inner wall of the syringe body, and forming asecond compartment between the first plunger and the second plunger. Atransfer tube may be in fluid connection with the second compartment andthe syringe tip.

In an embodiment, a syringe system may include a syringe body having ahollow lumen and a distal end having a syringe tip. The syringe body maybe configured to house a plurality of fluids therein. The syringe systemmay also include a first plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of thesyringe body. The first plunger may form a first seal with an inner wallof the syringe body, and may form a first compartment between the firstplunger and the distal end of the syringe. A second plunger may bepositioned proximal to the first plunger in the hollow lumen of thesyringe body, forming a second seal with the inner wall of the syringebody, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger and thesecond plunger. The syringe system may also include a transfer tube influid connection with the second compartment. The transfer tube mayinclude a valve having an outlet, where the valve is in fluidcommunication with the syringe tip. The syringe system may also includean outlet port fluidly connected to an outlet of the valve. Anorientation of the valve may include one of a first opening state toallow fluid flow from the syringe tip to the outlet port, a secondopening state to allow fluid flow from the transfer tube to the outletport, a third opening state to allow fluid flow from both the syringetip and the transfer tube to the outlet port, and a closed state toblock flow of fluid from the syringe tip and the transfer tube.

In an embodiment, a syringe system may include a syringe body having ahollow lumen and a distal end. The syringe body may be configured tohouse a plurality of fluids therein. The syringe system may also includea first plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of the syringe body,forming a first seal within an inner wall of the syringe body, andforming a first compartment between the first plunger and the distal endof the syringe, the first plunger comprising a hollow lumen therein. Asecond plunger may be positioned in the hollow lumen of the firstplunger, forming a second seal within an inner wall of the firstplunger, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger andthe second plunger.

In an embodiment, a syringe system may include a syringe body having afirst chamber, a second chamber, and an outlet fluidly connected to thefirst chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber may bepositioned adjacent to the second chamber. The first chamber may have adiameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second chamber. Thefirst chamber may be configured to house a first fluid and the secondchamber may be configured to house a second fluid. The syringe systemmay also include a first plunger positioned in the first chamber and asecond plunger positioned in the second chamber. The syringe system mayalso include an adjustable stop that is configured to stop distalmovement of the first plunger after the first plunger has traversed adefined distance. The second plunger may be configured to move in adistal direction to push the second fluid out of the second chamber intoan outlet. The first fluid may be drawn out of the first plunger via aVenturi effect upon distal movement of the second plunger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presentedherein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in thefigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designedin a wide variety of different configurations, all of which areexplicitly contemplated herein

FIGS. 1A-1B depict a side view of a syringe according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A depicts a side view of an alternative syringe having a transfertube according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B depicts a side view of the alternative syringe of FIG. 2A withan alternatively positioned transfer tube according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts various alternative orientations of a valve used in thesyringe of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of another alternative syringe according toan embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of yet another alternative syringe accordingto an embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict movement of the various components of the syringedepicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict movement of the various components of the syringedepicted in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict movement of the various components of the syringedepicted in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9C depict movement of various components of a syringe accordingto an embodiment

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an aspiration process of a syringe according toan embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an aspiration process of a syringe according toan embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is not limited to the particular systems, devices andmethods described, as these may vary. The terminology used in thedescription is for the purpose of describing the particular versions orembodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope.

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as anadmission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are notentitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Asused in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but notlimited to.”

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper,” “lower,”“right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,”“longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the orientationof embodiments disclosed in the figures. However, embodiments may assumealternative variations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. The specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings and described in the followingspecification, are exemplary embodiments. Hence, physicalcharacteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting.

The word “proximal” refers to a direction relatively closer to aclinician or operator using the device described herein, and the word“distal” refers to a direction relatively further from the clinician oroperator. For example, the end of a syringe placed nearest the body of apatient is considered a distal end of the syringe, while the end closesto the clinician is a proximal end of the syringe. The terms “axial” or“axially” refer generally to an axis around which the particular objectsbeing referred to are preferably formed (although not necessarilysymmetrically therearound). The term “radial” refers generally to adirection normal to the axis or along a radius of an object having acircular cross-section.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to devicesand methods of use thereof that use a manual device to deliver a bolusof contrast medium followed by an amount of saline solution. In variousembodiments, this may serve to flush the line to ensure all of thecontrast is delivered to the patient, to move the contrast to a regionof interest, and/or to dilute the contrast concentration. In variousembodiments, the devices and methods of use may further be capable ofdelivering a small amount of fluid to maintain vein patency duringcontrast medium administration.

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of a syringe, generally designated 100,according to an embodiment. The syringe 100 may generally include asyringe body 105 having a hollow lumen 107, a proximal end 101, and adistal end 102 having a tip 110. The syringe body 105 is not limited inshape or size by this disclosure, and may be any shape or size,particularly shapes and sizes of syringe bodies commonly known by thoseskilled in the art. In various embodiments, the syringe body 105 maysubstantially cylindrical. In various embodiments where the syringe 100is configured for use in computed tomography (CT) applications and thelike, the syringe body 105 may be configured to contain about 20 ml toabout 150 ml of fluid therein. In particular embodiments, the syringebody may be configured to contain about 20 ml, about 25 ml, about 30 ml,about 50 ml, about 75 ml, about 100 ml, about 125 ml, about 150 ml, orany value or range between any two of these values. In variousembodiments where the syringe 100 is configured for use in magneticresonance (MR) applications and the like, the syringe body 105 may beconfigured to contain about 5 ml to about 20 ml of fluid therein. Inparticular embodiments, the syringe body may be configured to containabout 5 ml, about 10 ml, about 12.5 ml, about 15 ml, about 20 ml, or anyvalue or range between any two of these values.

In various embodiments, the hollow lumen 107 may include a plurality ofplungers disposed therein. For example, in the present embodiment, thehollow lumen 107 may have a first plunger 120 and a second plunger 135.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that more than twoplungers may be used without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. In various embodiments, the first plunger 120 may form aseal against the interior of the syringe body 105 by means of a firstseal 125. In some embodiments, the first seal 125 may be a separatecomponent from the first plunger 120, such as, for example, an addedO-ring and/or the like. In these embodiments, the first seal 125 may befixedly attached to the first plunger 120 by any means of attachment,including attachment apparatuses, adhesives, and/or the like, or thefirst seal may be removably attached to the first plunger. In otherembodiments, the first seal 125 may be fabricated as a portion of thefirst plunger 120. Similarly, in various embodiments, the second plunger135 may form a seal against the interior of the syringe body 105 bymeans of a second seal 140. In some embodiments, the second seal 140 maybe a separate component from the second plunger 135, such as, forexample, an added O-ring and/or the like. In these embodiments, thesecond seal 140 may be fixedly attached to the second plunger 135 by anymeans of attachment, including attachment apparatuses, adhesives, and/orthe like, or the second seal may be removably attached to the secondplunger. In other embodiments, the second seal 140 may be fabricated asa portion of the second plunger 135. The first plunger 120, the secondplunger 135, the first seal 125, and the second seal 140 may each bemade of any material now known or later developed that is known by thoseskilled in the art for use in plungers and/or seals. Specific examplesmay include polymers, rubber, and/or the like.

In various embodiments, a first compartment 160 may be formed betweenthe first plunger 120 and the distal end 102 of the syringe body 105.The first compartment 160 may be configured to contain a fluid therein.In particular embodiments, the fluid may include a contrast medium. Invarious embodiments, a second compartment 165 may be formed between thesecond plunger 135 and the first plunger 120. The second compartment 165may also be configured to contain a fluid therein. In particularembodiments, the fluid may include a flushing fluid. One such specificexample of a flushing fluid may be saline. The volume of the firstcompartment 160 may be determined by the distance between the firstplunger 120 and the distal end 102 of the syringe body 105, as well asthe circumference of the syringe body. The volume of the secondcompartment 165 may be determined by the distance between the firstplunger 120 and the second plunger 135, as well as the circumference ofthe syringe body 105.

In various embodiments, the first plunger 120 and the second plunger 135may be joined together by means of a connection piece 130. Theconnection piece 130 may be constructed so that when force is applied onthe second plunger 135, some of the force is transferred to the firstplunger 120 to effect movement of the first plunger along with thesecond plunger. In some embodiments, movement may be bidirectional,i.e., the force can be directed proximally or distally to move the firstplunger 120 and the second plunger 135 in either a proximal or distaldirection within the syringe. In these embodiments, the connection piece130 may be constructed of a rigid material that does not bend orcollapse when pressure is applied to it. The connection piece 130 mayfurther be constructed of any material that does not impact any fluidthat may come into contact with it. In other embodiments, movement maybe unidirectional, i.e., a force that pushes the second plunger 135 in adistal direction may not be transferred to the first plunger 120 so thatthe first plunger stays in place, but when the opposite force in aproximal direction is placed on the second plunger, the force istransferred to the first plunger, causing it to move as well. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, this unidirectional movement may bepossible by using a connection piece 130′ that is constructed of acollapsible material. Specific examples of collapsible materials mayinclude filaments, monofilaments, fibers, polymers, and the like. Insome embodiments, the connection piece 130 (or 130′) may include one ormore magnets so that the force on the second plunger 135 causes a forceon the first plunger 120 due to magnetic attraction. In someembodiments, the connection piece 130 (or 130′) may include a releasablepin or similar locking device that can lock or unlock the connectionpiece to effectuate a desired movement of the plungers 120, 135 asdescribed herein. As in the other constructions, the connection piece130 (or 130′) may further be constructed of any material that does notimpact any fluid that may come into contact with it.

In various embodiments, particularly embodiments in which the connectionpiece is a collapsible material 130′, the first plunger 120 may be movedtowards the distal end 102 of the syringe body 105 under force from thefluid located within the second chamber 165. For example, due to theactions of the second seal 140 and the first seal 125, the fluidcontained within the second compartment 165 does not leak or compress,but rather acts as a hydraulic lock, thereby transferring force from thesecond plunger 135 to the first plunger 120. In this manner, the fluidlocated in the first compartment 160 may be pushed distally by the firstplunger 120, where, in some embodiments, it may be forced out thesyringe tip 110.

In various embodiments, the second plunger 135 may be connected to apiston 145 that may at least partially extend out of an opening in theproximal end 101 of the syringe body 105. The second plunger 135 may beattached to the piston 145 by any means of attachment, including, butnot limited to, any number of clips, fasteners, hooks, adhesives, and/orthe like. In some embodiments, the second plunger 135 may be molded as aportion of the piston 145. In some embodiments, the piston 145 may havea thumb piece 150 proximally attached thereto. The thumb piece 150 maygenerally provide a stable surface to allow the user of the syringe 100to push and/or pull the piston 145, and correspondingly the secondplunger 135 and/or the first plunger 120. The thumb piece 150 depictedherein is a generally flat surface; however, those skilled in the artwill recognize that the shape and size of the thumb piece is not limitedby this disclosure, and may include any number of rings, openings,contoured surfaces, and/or the like without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Persons skilled in the art will also note thatthe term ‘thumb piece’ is not to be limiting; the user may use anyobject to manipulate the thumb piece 150 as described herein.

In various embodiments, the interior surface of the syringe body 105 mayinclude a plurality of recesses 155 disposed therein, causing a void inportions of the interior surface at the location of each recess. In someembodiments, the plurality of recesses 155 may be disposed about theinner wall of the syringe body 105 near the distal end 102. The shapeand size of the recesses 155 is not limited by this disclosure, and maygenerally be any shape and/or size that will break the seal between thesyringe body 105 and the first seal 125 of the first plunger 120. Insome embodiments, the recesses 155 may be scalloped. In otherembodiments, the recesses 155 may be crenelated. The recesses 155 may belocated at any position on the inside wall of the syringe body 105, andmay be positioned so as to correspond to an amount of fluid that isdesired in the first compartment 160 and/or the second compartment 165.However, the recesses 155 cannot be located so far distal in the syringebody that the first seal 125 does not contact it, as the fluid in thesecond compartment 165 would not be released. In some embodiments, therecesses 155 may be positioned at a tapered transition point from thecylindrical syringe body 105 to the tip 110.

In various embodiments, one or more finger guards 115 may be positionedat a location that is generally located at or near the proximal end 101of the syringe body 105. In some embodiments, the finger guards 115 maygenerally be located on an outside surface of the syringe body 105 andmay generally extend from the outside surface of the syringe body. Insome embodiments, the finger guards 115 may act to provide stability tothe syringe 100 during operation. In some embodiments, a user may usethe finger guards 115 to prevent movement of the syringe 100 duringoperation. In some embodiments, the user may use the finger guards 115to prevent the syringe 100 from slipping out of the user's hand. In someembodiments, the user may use the finger guards 115 to protect theuser's fingers. In some embodiments, the finger guards 115 may act as astopping device to prevent the piston 145 from moving further distallyinside the syringe body 105. The shape and size of the finger guards 115are not limited by this disclosure, and may be any shape and/or sizeknown in the art. Specific examples of shapes may be ring shaped, wedgeshaped, T-shaped, curved, curved with finger indentations, and/or thelike.

FIG. 2A depicts a side view of an alternative syringe, generallydesignated 200, according to an embodiment. Similar to the syringe 100disclosed with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B above, the syringe 200 mayinclude a syringe body 205 having a proximal end 201 and a distal end202. The syringe body 205 may have a first plunger 220 and a secondplunger 235 disposed within it. The first plunger 220, the secondplunger 235, and a tip 210 may define a first compartment 260 and asecond compartment 265 therein for storing two different types of fluid,as previously described herein. The first plunger 220 and the secondplunger 235 may be moved within the syringe body 205 by applying a forceto the thumb piece 250 portion of a piston 245, as previously describedherein. In some embodiments, movement of the first plunger 220 may beaided by the connection piece 230, as described herein. In alternateembodiments, movement of the first plunger 220 may be aided by transferof force on the second plunger 235 to the first plunger 220 via a fluidlocated in the second compartment 265, as also described herein.

In various embodiments, the alternative syringe of FIG. 2A may differfrom the syringe of FIGS. 1A and 1B by including, among other things, atransfer tube 270, a valve 275, and one or more outlet ports 280. Insome embodiments, the recesses 255 may not be present. In someembodiments, the functions of these additional elements, as describedherein, may allow for the syringe 200 to provide a “keep vein open”(KVO) function. The KVO function may be used during a long terminjection procedure to ensure that access to a vein remains availablefor fluid injection and does not collapse when fluid is not beingadministered. In some embodiments, the functions of these additionalelements may allow for the syringe 200 to provide functionality fordelivering the fluid of the second compartment 265 before delivering thefluid of the first compartment 260 and vice versa. In some embodiments,the functions of these additional elements may allow for the syringe 200to provide functionality for mixing at least a portion of the contentsin the first compartment 260 with at least a portion of the contents inthe second compartment 265 during delivery to a patient. In someembodiments, the functions of these additional elements may allow forthe syringe 200 to be in an “off” state, thus preventing the contentsfrom either compartment 260, 265 from escaping, such as to preventleakage when the syringe is not in use.

In various embodiments, the transfer tube 270 may be in fluid connectionwith the contents of the second compartment 265 within the syringe body205. Thus, in some embodiments, the syringe body 205 may contain anopening and/or a bore therein for attachment of the transfer tube 270 toallow for a fluid connection thereof. The construction of the transfertube 270 is not limited by this disclosure and may be of any shape,size, and/or composition. In some embodiments, the transfer tube 270 maybe generally hollow to allow transfer of a fluid therethrough, and maygenerally be made of a substance that does not impact the fluid flowingtherethrough.

In alternative embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, thetransfer tube 270′ may be in fluid connection with the contents of boththe first compartment 260 and the second compartment 265, depending onthe positioning of the plungers 220, 235. In some embodiments, thetransfer tube 270′ may act as an alternative to the recesses 255 (FIG.2A). Thus, the transfer tube 270′ may allow for transfer of fluidto/from the first compartment 260 only when first compartment 260 isexposed to the transfer tube and the valve 275 is particularlypositioned, as described in greater detail herein. Furthermore, thetransfer tube 270′ may allow for transfer of fluid to/from the secondcompartment 265 only when the second compartment 265 is exposed to thetransfer tube and the valve 275 is particularly positioned, as describedherein. In addition, because the recesses are not present in thisembodiment, the first plunger 220 may continue to form a seal with theinner wall of the syringe body 205, even as it is being forced in adistal direction, so fluids in the second compartment 265 will only beable to exit the syringe 200 via the transfer tube 270′ when the valve275 is particularly positioned, as described herein.

As shown in either embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the transfer tube 270may terminate in the valve 275. In some embodiments, the valve 275 maybe in fluid connection with the transfer tube 270, the tip 210 and theoutlet port 280. In various embodiments, the valve 275 may be configuredto be positioned in one of a plurality of states, in which it is open toany or none of the elements in which it is fluidly connected, as shownin FIG. 3. A first state, as depicted in position (a), allows contentsto flow from both the tip 210 and the transfer tube 270 to the outletport 280. A second state, as depicted in position (b), only allowscontents from the transfer tube 270 to be dispensed into the outlet port280, as it blocks the contents in the tip 210. A third state, asdepicted in position (c), only allows contents from the tip 210 to bedispensed into the outlet port 280, as it blocks the contents in thetransfer tube 270. A fourth state, as depicted in position (d), does notallow the contents of either location to be dispensed into the outletport 280 because the valve 275 is closed off to both the transfer tube270 and the tip 210. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatcontents may be drawn into the syringe 200 in a similar manner, asdescribed in greater detail herein.

In various embodiments, the outlet port 280 may be configured to receivethe contents from the first chamber 260, the second chamber 265, bothchambers, or neither chamber depending on the orientation of the valve275 and/or the location of the transfer tube 270 (or 270′). The outletport 280 may further be configured to output any contents received to apatient. In some embodiments, the outlet port 280 may be configured tosecurely attach to additional elements, such as tubes, needles, nozzles,valves, catheters, and the like to aid in delivery of the contents tothe patient.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of another alternative syringe systemaccording to an embodiment. The syringe system 400 may include a syringebody 405 having a first chamber 410 and a second chamber 420. Unlike inother embodiments depicted herein, the first chamber 410 and secondchamber 420 may not be in line with each other. Rather, the chambers410, 420 may be positioned adjacent to each other, such as, for example,substantially parallel to each other. A distal end of each chamber 410,420 may be fluidly connected to an output 445. In some embodiments, theoutput 445 may be configured to transmit the contents of the firstchamber 410 and/or the second chamber 420 to a subject. In someembodiments, the output 445 may be configured to attach to otherdevices, such as, for example, tubes, nozzles, needles, valves,catheters, and the like, as described in greater detail herein.

In various embodiments, the first chamber 410 may have a first plunger415 and a cavity for housing and dispensing a first fluid therein.Similarly, the second chamber 420 may have a second plunger 425 and acavity for housing and dispensing a second fluid therein. In someembodiments, a diameter of the first chamber 410 may be smaller than adiameter of the second chamber. The second plunger 425 may be actuatedby receiving a force in a distal direction, as described in greaterdetail herein. Because the diameter of the second chamber 420 is largerthan the diameter of the first chamber 410, the force on the secondplunger 425 that causes fluid to move out of the second chamber and intothe output 445 may cause a Venturi effect on the fluid in the firstchamber, causing it to be drawn out into the output with the fluid fromthe second chamber. In some embodiments, a constant force spring 440 maybe configured to ensure that the force applied to the second plunger 425is fluid and uniform to effectuate a smooth delivery of the contents ofthe chambers 410, 420 to a subject.

In various embodiments, the syringe system 400 may include a stop 430.In some embodiments, the stop 430 may be configured to block movement ofthe first plunger 415 after movement over a certain distance hasoccurred. The position of the stop 430 may be adjustable by actuating astop adjustment screw 435. By changing the positioning of the stop 430,a user can dictate the amount of distance that the first plunger 415 canbe moved before being stopped by the stop. In an illustrative example, aforce may be applied to the second plunger 425 to cause the firstplunger 415 and the second plunger to move distally in their respectivechambers 410, 420, as described herein. Once the first plunger 415reaches the stop 430, additional distal movement of the first plungermay cease, thereby preventing additional fluid from exiting the firstchamber 410, while additional distal movement of the second plunger 425may continue until all of the contents of the second chamber 420 havebeen displaced out of the second chamber.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of yet another alternative syringe accordingto an embodiment. Similar to the syringe 100 disclosed with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B above, the syringe 500 may include a syringe body 505having a proximal end 501 and a distal end 502. The syringe body 505 mayhave a first plunger 520 and a second plunger 535 disposed within it,however, unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second plungermay be located inside the first plunger, as will be described in greaterdetail herein. The first plunger 520 and the second plunger 535 may bemoved within the syringe body 505 by applying a force to the thumb piece550 portion of a piston 545, as previously described herein.

In various embodiments, the first plunger 520 may form a seal againstthe interior of the syringe body 505 by means of the first seal 525, aspreviously described herein. A first chamber 560 may be defined by thefirst plunger 520 and the tip 510, as previously described herein. Thefirst chamber 560 may further be configured to house a fluid therein,where the fluid is forced out of the tip 510 upon a force applied to thethumb piece 550, as previously described herein.

In various embodiments, the first plunger 520 may be substantiallyhollow and configured to house at least the second plunger 535 and acheck valve 523, such as a one-way check valve or the like, therein. Insome embodiments, the second plunger 535 may form a seal against theinterior of the first plunger 520 by means of the second seal 540.Accordingly, the second chamber 565 may be defined by the second plunger535 and the remainder of the hollow space within the first plunger 520.Furthermore, the second plunger 535 may be configured to slidably movewithin the first plunger 520 independently of movement of the firstplunger within the syringe body 505. In some embodiments, the checkvalve 523 may be configured to activate, thereby plugging an opening ina distal portion 521 of the first plunger 520. In some embodiments, thecheck valve 523 may further be configured to release, thereby allowingthe contents of the second chamber 565 to be released distally into thefirst chamber 560 and/or the tip 510. In some embodiments, a third seal524 positioned distally on the first plunger 520 may allow a distalportion of the first plunger to seal against a distal portion of thesyringe body 505 so that the fluid from the second compartment 565 doesnot flow back into the syringe body when it is ejected, as described ingreater detail herein.

In various embodiments, the second plunger 535 may be removably attachedto at least a portion of the piston 545. In some embodiments, the secondplunger 535 may include a proximally located attachment member 537affixed thereto. The attachment member 537 of the second plunger 535 maygenerally be configured to removably attach to an attachment member 548of the piston 545.

In various embodiments, the piston 545 may include at least an innerpiston 547 and an outer sleeve 546. In some embodiments, the innerpiston 547 may extend from the thumb piece 550 to the attachment member548. In various embodiments, the inner piston 547 may have a shape andsize that, when the inner piston is actuated, it can move independentlyof the outer sleeve 546, cause the attachment member 548 to attach tothe attachment member 537 of the second plunger 535 withoutsubstantially contacting the first plunger 520, and force the secondplunger to move within the first plunger without causing movement of thefirst plunger within the syringe body 505. In some embodiments, theouter sleeve 546 can be actuated independently of the inner piston 547and can further move independently of the inner piston. In someembodiments, the outer sleeve 546 may have a shape and/or size that areconfigured to allow the outer sleeve to contact at least a portion ofthe proximal end of the first plunger 520 without substantiallycontacting the second plunger 535. In some embodiments, a force may beapplied to the outer sleeve 546 to cause the outer sleeve to force thefirst plunger 520 to move within the syringe body 505, as described ingreater detail herein. In some embodiments, the inner piston 547 and theouter sleeve 546 may be locked together with a locking mechanism (notshown) so that, when a force is applied to the thumb piece 550, theentire piston 545 moves as one.

In various embodiments, the syringe body 505 may further include one ormore valve actuators 511 positioned at a location within the insidesurface of the syringe body. In the present example, the valve actuators511 are located near the tip 510; however, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the valve actuators may be positioned at any locationwithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In someembodiments, the valve actuators 511 may be configured to release theone-way check valve 523 upon contact between the valve actuators and thecheck valve. In some embodiments, the valve actuators 511 may beconfigured to activate the check valve 523 upon removal of contactbetween the valve actuators and the check valve.

FIGS. 6A-6D depict movement of the various components of the syringe 100depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to an embodiment. Moreparticularly, FIG. 6A depicts an initial state of the syringe 100 whenit is loaded with a first fluid in the first compartment 160 and asecond fluid in the second compartment 165. As previously describedherein, a user may apply a force on the thumb piece 150 to force thepiston 145 in a distal direction into the syringe body 105. As a result,the piston 145 may mechanically force the second plunger 135 in thedistal direction towards the syringe tip 110. As previously describedherein, due to the actions of the second seal 140 and the first seal125, the fluid located in the second compartment 165 may not leak orcompress, but rather may act as a hydraulic lock, thereby transferringthe force from the second plunger 135 to the first plunger 120, causingthe first plunger to also move in the distal direction towards thesyringe tip 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. Accordingly, the fluid containedin the first compartment 160 may be forced out of the syringe tip 110.

In various embodiments, the fluid located in the first compartment 160may be pushed out through the tip 110 by the first plunger 120 until themechanical force on the piston 145 (via the second plunger 135 and theforce from the fluid in the second compartment 165) drives the firstplunger to the recesses 155. In some embodiments, at the recesses 155,the first seal 125 may no longer act as a fluid seal against the innersurface of the syringe body 105. Because the hydraulic seal of the firstplunger 120 against the interior of the syringe body 105 is broken inthis state, the fluid located in the second compartment 165 may flowaround the recesses 155, through the remaining space in the firstcompartment 160, and out the tip 110. FIG. 6C depicts a cross sectionalview of the syringe 100 as the first seal 125 contacts the recesses 155according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the first seal125 may contact one or more cops 156, but does not fill one or morecrenels 157 of the recesses 155. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluidfrom the second compartment 165 (FIG. 6B) may flow through the crenels157 and out the tip 110 (FIG. 6B).

FIG. 6D depicts the result of the completed delivery by the syringe 100of the fluid from both the first compartment 160 and the secondcompartment 165 according to various embodiments. In some embodiments,the thumb piece 150 may have been pushed completely to the end of thefinger guards 115. As a result, the piston 145 may have moved the lengthof its travel, and the second plunger 135 may be extended to its mostdistal position. In some embodiments, the second compartment 165 mayhave been compressed to a minimum volume, and the fluid previouslycontained therein may have been delivered around the first plunger 120and through the first compartment 160, as disclosed in greater detailherein. Although FIG. 6D illustrates a residual volume in the secondcompartment 165 due to the illustrated geometry of the first plunger 120and the second plunger 135, it may be appreciated that the two plungersmay be fabricated so that the distal surface of the second plunger andthe proximal surface of the first plunger allow for a minimal to zerovolume when the second plunger is completely extended distally. FIG. 6Dalso illustrates that the connection piece 130 may be in an un-tensionedstate at the end of fluid delivery. As previously described herein, theconnection piece 130 may be designed to impart a force on the firstplunger 120 when the second plunger 135 is withdrawn towards theproximal end 101 of the syringe body 105, and may not transfer a forceto the first plunger while the second plunger is pushed toward thedistal end of the syringe.

In various embodiments, the syringe 100 may be filled by operating in areverse order of delivery. Thus, in some embodiments, an empty syringe100 may begin with both the first plunger 120 and the second plunger 135at the distal end 102 of the syringe 105. In some embodiments, thesecond fluid may be introduced first into the second compartment 165from the tip 110 when a user moves the thumb piece 150 in a proximalmotion away from the finger guard 115. The proximal movement of thethumb piece 150 may cause the piston 145 and the mechanically coupledsecond plunger 135 to also move proximally. In some embodiments, thesecond plunger 135 may be withdrawn proximally into the syringe body105, thereby taking up the slack in the connection piece 130. Once thesecond plunger 135 has moved sufficiently in a proximal direction intothe syringe body 105 (see FIG. 6B), the connection piece 130 may bepulled taut and further proximal motion on the piston 145 may betransferred to the first plunger 120. Once the first seal 125 is pulledinto the syringe body 105 proximal to the recesses 155, the secondcompartment 165 may be sealed, and no additional fluid may be introducedinto the second compartment. At this point, the thumb piece 150 may befurther retracted proximally. Once the first seal 125 of the firstplunger 120 is engaged against the interior surface of the syringebarrel 105, a first fluid introduced through the tip 110 may bedelivered to the first compartment 160.

FIGS. 7A-7C depict movement of the various components of the syringe 200depicted in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment. As described in greaterdetail herein, pressure on the thumb piece 250 may be transferredthrough the piston 245 to the second plunger 235. Barring any fluid pathfrom the second compartment 265, a hydraulic lock will force the firstplunger 220 in the distal direction, as described in greater detailherein. Thus, if the valve 275 is in either the third or fourth statesas shown in FIG. 3, no fluid may flow through the transfer tube 270 fromthe second compartment and in some embodiments, particularly if thevalve 275 is in the third state, fluid from the first compartment 260will be delivered through the tip 210 and the outlet port 280 in asimilar manner as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 7Billustrates the result of the valve 275 in a second state. In someembodiments, when the valve 275 is in either the first or second states(FIG. 3), fluid from the second compartment 265 may travel through thetransfer tube 270 as indicated by the directional arrow D and out theoutlet port 280. As a result, the hydraulic lock between the secondplunger 235 and the first plunger 220 may be released, and the firstplunger is no longer driven by the second plunger until they come inphysical contact with each other, as shown in FIG. 7C. In someembodiments, because the second plunger 235 can move independently ofthe first plunger 220, the connection piece 230 may lose tension, asillustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C.

In various embodiments, it may be appreciated that the syringe 200 maybe filled by operating in a reverse order of the delivery, as previouslydescribed herein. The valve 275 may be adjusted according to whether itis desired to fill the first compartment 260 or the second compartment265, and the plungers may be forced in a proximal direction to effectintake of fluid into the respective compartments.

FIGS. 8A-8C depict movement of the various components of the syringe 500depicted in FIG. 5 according to various embodiments. In someembodiments, the inner piston 547 may be released from the outer sleeve546 to slide distally, bring the attachment member 548 of the piston incontact with the attachment member 537 of the second plunger 535 andlock the two attachment members together. The inner piston 547 may belocked to the outer sleeve 546 so that they are configured to move inunison and, upon receipt of a force on the thumb piece 550, cause thefirst plunger 520 to move in a substantially distal direction toward thetip 510. The movement of the first plunger 520 may cause a first fluidcontained within the first compartment 560 to be ejected from the tip510.

In various embodiments, once the first plunger 520 comes into contactwith a distal portion of the syringe body 505, it may form a third seal524 with the distal portion of the syringe body to prevent a secondfluid in the second compartment 565 from escaping in a proximaldirection around the outside of the first plunger. In some embodiments,the valve actuators 511 may apply a force upon contacting the checkvalve 523, causing the check valve to actuate. In particularembodiments, the valve actuators 511 may apply the force in a proximaldirection, thus forcing the check valve 523 to actuate by moving thecheck valve proximally into the second compartment 565. By forcing thecheck valve into the second compartment 565, a passageway may openbetween the second compartment 565 and the tip 510, thus allowing thesecond fluid from the second compartment to flow to the tip. In variousembodiments, the inner piston 547 may once again be unlocked from theouter sleeve 546 so that it can move independently of the outer sleeve.A force may be applied to the inner piston 547 to cause the secondplunger 535 to move in a distal direction within the first plunger 520,thereby forcing the second fluid out of the second compartment 565 andthrough the tip 510.

In various embodiments, it may be appreciated that the syringe 500 maybe filled by operating in a reverse order of the delivery, as previouslydescribed herein. The second plunger 535 may be forced in a proximaldirection by the inner piston 547, thereby drawing the second fluid intothe second compartment 565. Once the second plunger 535 contacts aproximal portion of the first plunger 520, the proximally directed forcemay draw the first plunger in a proximal direction as well. Removal ofthe first plunger 520 from the distal portion of the syringe body 505may cause the valve actuators 511 to allow the check valve 523 to slidedistally within the first plunger, thereby sealing the contents of thesecond compartment 565 therein. Further force upon the first plunger 520in a proximal direction may allow the first fluid to be drawn into thefirst compartment 560, as previously described herein.

Still other embodiments of the multiple compartment syringe system maycomprise a syringe body comprising a hollow lumen and a distal end, thesyringe body being configured to house a plurality of fluids therein; afirst plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of the syringe body,forming a first seal with an inner wall of the syringe body, and forminga first compartment between the first plunger and the distal end of thesyringe; a second plunger positioned proximal to the first plunger inthe hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a second seal with theinner wall of the syringe body, and forming a second compartment betweenthe first plunger and the second plunger; a fluid bypass disposed aboutthe inner wall of the syringe body and the first plunger at or near thedistal end of the syringe body, wherein a first fluid can flow throughthe fluid bypass to the second compartment; and a mechanism forproximally moving the first plunger to a position proximal to the fluidbypass such that the first plunger forms the first seal, the mechanismcomprising one of a slidable end cap at the distal end of the syringebody, a push rod configured to push the first plunger in the proximaldirection, and a sleeve comprising at least one magnet at or near thedistal end of the sleeve and in magnetic communication with at least onemagnet or ferromagnetic material in the first plunger.

Certain embodiments of the multiple compartment syringe are illustratedin FIGS. 9A-9B. According to these embodiments, the syringe 900 maycomprise a reversibly slidable end cap 940 which selectively controlsfluid connection between a first volume compartment 950 and a secondvolume compartment 955. The syringe comprises cylindrical syringe body910 having a hollow lumen and end cap 940 comprising a circumferentialwall 941 slidably retained in the inner wall of the distal end ofsyringe body 910 and having syringe tip 942 having a fluid intake/egresspassage 945. The syringe tip 942 may further include a conventionalconnector known in the art, such as, for example a luer connector, toconnect the tip to any conventional fluid delivery device, such as aneedle, catheter, or tube. The syringe further comprises a distal firstplunger 930 and a proximal second plunger 920, wherein second plunger920 is connected to a thumb piece 965 by piston 960. The area betweenthe second plunger 920 and the first plunger 930 defines the firstvolume compartment 950 and the area between the first plunger 930 andthe end cap 940 defines fluid passage 955′ when first plunger 930 andend cap 940 are in the fully distal position (as illustrated in FIG. 9A)and defines a second volume compartment 955 when first plunger 930 isdrawn proximally away from end cap 940 (as illustrated in FIG. 9B). FIG.9A also illustrates fluid bypass 915 which fluidly connects passage 945with the first volume compartment 950 via fluid passage 955′ when endcap 940 is in the distal position. Applying a proximal force “b” tothumb piece 965 moves piston 960 and second plunger 920 is a proximaldirection which will cause a first fluid, such as a flushing fluid, forexample, saline, to flow from a flushing fluid source through passages945 and 955′ and fluid bypass 915 into the first volume compartment 950.According to certain non-limiting embodiments, the fluid bypass maycomprise a plurality disposed about the inner wall of the syringe bodyat or near the distal end of the syringe, such as, for example,scalloped or crenelated recesses. Once the desired volume of flushingfluid has been drawn into first volume compartment 950, the syringe maybe shifted to a second mode to draw in a second fluid, such as apharmaceutical solution, for example, a medicament, contrast agent orradiopharmaceutical, into second volume compartment 955 (shown in FIG.9B). Shifting to the second mode is accomplished by applying a proximalforce “a” on syringe end cap 940, such as by pushing end cap 940 againsta surface. Force “a” causes end cap 940 and circumferential wall 941 toslide in a proximal direction to seal against an edge of the inner wallof syringe body 910, thereby closing and sealing bypass 915. Syringe tip942 is attached to a source of the second fluid and the second fluid isdrawn into volume compartment 955 by applying proximal force “b” tothumb piece 965 which moves piston 960 and second plunger 920 in aproximal direction and also moves first plunger 930 proximally byhydraulic force from a hydraulic lock. Once aspiration of the secondfluid is complete and the desired amount of the second fluid has beendrawn into second volume compartment 955, the syringe may be used todeliver the second fluid in volume compartment 955 to a patient followedby delivery of the flushing fluid in volume compartment 950 to flush thefluid delivery device and ensure complete delivery of the second fluid.As shown in FIG. 9C, application of distal force “b” to thumb piece 965forces piston 960 and second plunger 920 in a distal direction whichforces first plunger 930 in a distal direction by the hydraulic lockdelivering the second fluid through passage 945. Once the distal edge ofthe first plunger 930 meets the inner surface of end cap 940 and thesecond fluid has substantially been delivered through passage 945, thefirst plunger 930 then forces end cap 940 distally to the end of thesyringe body (force “a”) thereby unsealing and opening up fluid bypass915. Continued application of distal force on thumb piece 965 results indelivery of flushing fluid in volume compartment 950 through fluidbypass 915 and fluid passages 955′ and 945. By this method, the variousembodiments of this syringe may sequentially aspirate a flushing fluidand pharmaceutical and deliver the pharmaceutical followed by flushingwith the flushing fluid.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, syringe 1000may allow sequential aspiration of a flushing fluid and a pharmaceuticaland delivery of the pharmaceutical followed by flushing with theflushing fluid. According to this embodiment, the syringe 1000 maycomprise a push rod 1080 which selectively controls fluid connectionbetween a first volume compartment 1050 and a second volume compartment1055. The syringe comprises cylindrical syringe body 1010 having ahollow lumen and a T-connector 1070 comprising push rod 1080 at thedistal end of syringe body 1010 and having syringe tip 1042 having afluid intake/egress passage 1045. The syringe tip 1042 may furtherinclude a conventional connector known in the art, such as, for examplea luer connector, to connect the tip 1042 to any conventional fluiddelivery device, such as a needle, catheter, or tube, after loading thesyringe. The syringe further comprises a distal first plunger 1030 and aproximal second plunger 1020, wherein second plunger 1020 is connectedto a thumb piece 1065 by piston 1060. The area between the secondplunger 1020 and the first plunger 1030 defines the first volumecompartment 1050 and the area between the first plunger 1030 and thedistal end of the syringe defines fluid passage 1055′ when first plunger1030 is in the fully distal position (as illustrated in FIG. 10A) anddefines a second volume compartment 1055 when first plunger 1030 isdrawn proximally away from the distal end of the syringe (as illustratedin FIG. 10B). T-connector 1070 fluidly connects fluid passage 1045 withfluid inlet 1075. FIG. 10A also illustrates fluid bypass 1015 whichfluidly connects passage 1045 with the first volume compartment 1050 viafluid passage 1055′ when first plunger 1030 is in the distal position.Applying a proximal force to thumb piece 1065 moves piston 1060 andsecond plunger 1020 in a proximal direction which causes a first fluid,such as a flushing fluid, for example, saline, to flow from a flushingfluid source through passages 1075, 1045 and 1055′ and fluid bypass 1015into the first volume compartment 1050. Once the desired volume offlushing fluid has been drawn into first volume compartment 1050, thesyringe may be shifted to a second mode to draw in a second fluid, suchas a pharmaceutical solution, for example, a medicament, contrast agentor radiopharmaceutical, into second volume compartment 1055 (shown inFIG. 10B). Shifting to the second mode is accomplished by applying aproximal force on push rod 1080. Proximal force on push rod 1080 forcesfirst plunger 1030 in a proximal direction until sealing means 1035contact and seal against an edge of the inner wall of syringe body 1010,thereby sealing volume compartment 1050 from bypass 1015. Syringe tip1042 is attached to a source of the second fluid, for example, viapassage 1075 in T-connector 1070 and the second fluid is drawn intovolume compartment 1055 by applying proximal force to thumb piece 1065which moves piston 1060 and second plunger 1020 in a proximal directionand also moves first plunger 1030 proximally by a hydraulic lock. Inaddition, the second fluid may be drawn into volume compartment 1050upon pushing first plunger 1030 with push rod 1080. Push rod 1080 issealed with the inner walls of T-connector 1070 by sealing means 1072 toprevent fluid leakage therethrough. Once aspiration of the second fluidis complete and the desired amount of the second fluid has been drawninto second volume compartment 1055, the syringe may be used to deliverthe second fluid in volume compartment 1055 to a patient followed bydelivery of the flushing fluid in volume compartment 1050 to flush thefluid delivery device and ensure complete delivery of the second fluid.In one embodiment, fluid delivery may be through a fluid delivery deviceattached to fluid passage 1075 of T-connector 1070. In anotherembodiment fluid delivery may be though a fluid delivery device attachedto fluid passage 1045 after removal of T-connector 1070. Sequentialdelivery of the second fluid and flushing fluid may occur in a mannersimilar to the syringe of FIG. 9C, described herein. That is,application of a distal force on thumb piece 1065 pushes piston 1060 andthe second plunger 1020 in a distal direction which forces the firstplunger 1030 in a distal direction, thus delivering the second fluidthrough passage 1042. Once the plunger sealing means 1035 reach thefluid bypass 1015, generally upon delivery of substantially all of thesecond fluid, the volume compartment 1050 is fluidly connected to fluidbypass 1015 and the first flush fluid may pass through fluid bypass 1015and passages 1055′ and 1045 for delivery to a patient with concurrentflushing of the second fluid from the syringe and fluid delivery device.

Another embodiment of the multi-compartment syringe may comprise asyringe having an arrangement of magnets to control selective aspirationand infusion of a first and second fluid. As illustrated in FIGS. 11Aand 11B, syringe 1100 may allow sequential aspiration of a flushingfluid and a pharmaceutical and delivery of the pharmaceutical followedby flushing with the flushing fluid. According to this embodiment, thesyringe 1100 which selectively controls fluid connection between a firstvolume compartment 1150 and a second volume compartment 1155. Thesyringe comprises cylindrical syringe body 1110 having a hollow lumenand sleeve 1170 circumferentially surrounding syringe body 1110 andcomprising at least one magnet 1185 in magnetic communication with oneor more magnets or ferromagnetic materials 1180 in a distal firstplunger 1130 and a proximal second plunger 1120 and having syringe tip1142 having a fluid intake/egress passage 1145. The syringe tip 1142 mayfurther include a conventional connector known in the art, such as, forexample a luer connector, to connect the tip to any conventional fluiddelivery device, such as a needle, catheter, or tube, after loading thesyringe. The second plunger 1120 may be connected to a thumb piece 1165by piston 1160. The area between the second plunger 1120 and the firstplunger 1130 defines the first volume compartment 1150 and the areabetween the first plunger 1130 and the distal end of the syringe definesfluid passage 1155′ when first plunger 1130 is in the fully distalposition (as illustrated in FIG. 11A) and defines a second volumecompartment 1155 when first plunger 1130 is drawn proximally away fromthe distal end of the syringe (as illustrated in FIG. 11B). Sleeve 1170surrounds the outer body of syringe 1110 and comprises one or moremagnets 1185 and/or 1185′ in magnetic communication with one or moremagnets or ferromagnetic material 1180 in one or both of the firstplunger 1130 and second plunger 1120. FIG. 11A also illustrates fluidbypass 1115 which fluidly connects passage 1145 with the first volumecompartment 1150 via fluid passage 1155′ when first plunger 1130 is inthe distal position. Applying a proximal force to thumb piece 1165 movespiston 1160 and second plunger 1120 is a proximal direction which causesa first fluid, such as a flushing fluid, for example, saline, to flowfrom a flushing fluid source through passages 1145 and 1155′ and fluidbypass 1115 into the first volume compartment 1150. Once the desiredvolume of flushing fluid has been drawn into first volume compartment1150, the syringe may be shifted to a second mode to draw in a secondfluid, such as a pharmaceutical solution, for example, a medicament,contrast agent or radiopharmaceutical, into second volume compartment1155 (shown in FIG. 11B). Shifting to the second mode may beaccomplished by sliding sleeve 1170 in a proximal direction, for exampleby the user manually drawing sleeve 1170 in a proximal direction or by aproximal force on proximal magnets 1185′ from magnets 1180 in secondplunger 1120 as described herein. Distal magnets 1185 in sleeve 1170 arein magnetic communication with distal magnets or ferromagnetic material1180 in first plunger 1130 and proximal movement of sleeve 1170 alsomoves first plunger 1130 in a proximal direction until sealing means1135 contact and seal against an edge of the inner wall of syringe body1110, thereby sealing volume compartment 1150 from bypass 1115. Incertain embodiments, the proximal magnets 1185′ in sleeve 1170 may be inmagnetic communication with the magnets or ferromagnetic material 1180in the second plunger 1130 and moving sleeve 1170 in a proximaldirection may be affected as second plunger 1130 is drawn in a proximaldirection. Syringe tip 1142 is then attached to a source of the secondfluid and the second fluid is drawn into volume compartment 1155 byapplying proximal force to thumb piece 1165 which moves piston 1160 andsecond plunger 1120 in a proximal direction and also moves first plunger1130 proximally by the hydraulic lock. According to another embodiment,the volume of the first fluid in the volume compartment 1150 may bedetermined by the relative distance between distal magnets 1185 andproximal magnets 1185′ on sleeve 1170. According to this embodiment, thefirst plunger 1130 is in the fully distal position (as shown in FIG.11A) and the second plunger 1120 is also in the fully distal position incontact with the first plunger. As the thumb piece 1165 is drawnproximally, first plunger 1120 is drawn in a proximal direction withvolume compartment 1150 being filled with the first fluid. When themagnets or ferromagnetic material 1180 in the second plunger 1120 reachthe position of proximal magnets 1185′ of sleeve 1170, a magneticattraction is formed and further proximal withdrawal of the secondplunger 1120 also causes sleeve 1170 to be withdrawn in a proximaldirection, which causes the first plunger 1130 to move proximally pastfluid bypass 1115 and thereby draw up the second fluid into volumechamber 1155 (as shown in FIG. 11B). In a further embodiment the volumeof the first fluid drawn into syringe 1100 relative to the volume of thesecond fluid may be controlled by changing the distance between proximalmagnets 1185′ and distal magnets 1185. For example, according to oneembodiment sleeve 1170 may comprise an adjustable means for changing thedistance between magnets 1185 and 1185′, such as having a threadedattachment between a distal section and a proximal section of sleeve1170 where the threaded attachment can be turned in a clockwise orcounter-clockwise direction to lengthen or shorten the distance betweenmagnets 1185 and 1185′, thereby making the volume of volume compartment1150 larger or smaller when the first and second plunger magnets orferromagnetic materials 1180 are in communication with sleeve magnets1185 and 1185′, respectively. Once aspiration of the second fluid iscomplete and the desired amount of the second fluid has been drawn intosecond volume compartment 1155, the syringe may be used to deliver thesecond fluid in volume compartment 1155 to a patient followed bydelivery of the flushing fluid in volume compartment 1150 to flush thefluid delivery device and ensure complete delivery of the second fluid.Fluid delivery may be though a fluid delivery device attached to fluidpassage 1145. Sequential delivery of the second fluid and flushing fluidmay occur in a manner similar to the syringe of FIG. 9C, describedherein. That is, application of a distal force on thumb piece 1165pushes piston 1160 and the second plunger 1120 in a distal directionwhich forces the first plunger 1130 in a distal direction using ahydraulic lock and/or the magnetic connection between the first andsecond plungers, thus delivering the second fluid through passage 1145.Once the plunger sealing means 1135 reach the fluid bypass 1115,generally upon delivery of substantially all of the second fluid, thevolume compartment 1150 is fluidly connected to fluid bypass 1115 andthe first flush fluid may pass through fluid bypass 1115 and passages1155′ and 1145 for delivery to a patient with concurrent flushing of thesecond fluid from the syringe and fluid delivery device. It will beunderstood in those embodiments comprising magnets and ferromagneticmaterial, interchanging the relative positions of the magnets andferromagnetic material is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Although various embodiments have been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail issolely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment.

1. A syringe system comprising: a syringe body comprising a hollow lumenand a distal end, the syringe body being configured to house a pluralityof fluids therein; a first plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of thesyringe body, forming a first seal with an inner wall of the syringebody, and forming a first compartment between the first plunger and thedistal end of the syringe; a second plunger positioned proximal to thefirst plunger in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a secondseal with the inner wall of the syringe body, and forming a secondcompartment between the first plunger and the second plunger; a fluidbypass disposed about the inner wall of the syringe body and the firstplunger at or near the distal end of the syringe body, wherein a firstfluid can flow through the fluid bypass to the second compartment; and amechanism for proximally moving the first plunger to a position proximalto the fluid bypass such that the first plunger forms the first seal,the mechanism comprising one of a slidable end cap at the distal end ofthe syringe body, a push rod configured to push the first plunger in theproximal direction, and a sleeve comprising at least one magnet at ornear the distal end of the sleeve and in magnetic communication with atleast one magnet or ferromagnetic material in the first plunger.
 2. Thesyringe system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a slidableend cap having a circumferential wall comprising the inner wall of thedistal end of the syringe body.
 3. The syringe system of claim 2,wherein applying a proximal force to the slidable end cap causes the endcap to slide in a proximal direction and fluidly seal the fluid bypass.4. The syringe system of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises thepush rod, and further comprises a T-connector connected to a distal tipof the syringe body which directs the push rod into the firstcompartment to connect with the first plunger.
 5. The syringe system ofclaim 4, wherein the T-connector is fluidly connected to at least onefluid source.
 6. The syringe system of claim 1, wherein the mechanismcomprises the sleeve comprising the at least one magnet at or near thedistal end of the sleeve and in magnetic communication with at least onemagnet or ferromagnetic material in the first plunger, wherein slidingthe sleeve in a proximal direction slides the first plunger in theproximal direction.
 7. The syringe system of claim 6, wherein the sleeveis configured to slide by applying a proximal force to the outer wall ofthe sleeve.
 8. The syringe system of claim 6, further comprising atleast one proximal magnet at or near the proximal end of the sleeve andadapted to be in magnetic communication with a magnet or ferromagneticmaterial in the second plunger.
 9. The syringe system of claim 8,wherein when the at least one proximal magnet is in magneticcommunication with the magnet or ferromagnetic material in the secondplunger, movement of the second plunger in the proximal direction causesthe sleeve and the first plunger to move in the proximal direction. 10.The syringe system of claim 1, further comprising a piston connected tothe second plunger, wherein the piston is configured to be activated bya thumb piece.
 11. The syringe system of claim 1, wherein the firstcompartment comprises a contrast medium therein and the secondcompartment comprises a flushing fluid therein. 12.-21. (canceled)
 22. Asyringe system comprising: a syringe body comprising a hollow lumen anda distal end, the syringe body being configured to house a plurality offluids therein; a first plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of thesyringe body, forming a first seal within an inner wall of the syringebody, and forming a first compartment between the first plunger and thedistal end of the syringe, the first plunger comprising a hollow lumentherein; and a second plunger positioned in the hollow lumen of thefirst plunger, forming a second seal within an inner wall of the firstplunger, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger andthe second plunger.
 23. The syringe system of claim 22, furthercomprising a check valve positioned within a distal opening in thehollow lumen of the first plunger, wherein the check valve is configuredto release contents of the second compartment when actuated.
 24. Thesyringe system of claim 22, further comprising a piston having an innerpiston and an outer sleeve, wherein the inner piston is removablyconnected to the second plunger and the outer sleeve is removablyconnected to the first plunger, and wherein the inner piston isconfigured to move independently of the outer sleeve or locked to theouter sleeve so that the inner piston and outer sleeve move in unison.25. The syringe system of claim 24, wherein the piston is configured tobe activated by a thumb piece.
 26. The syringe system of claim 22,wherein the first compartment comprises a contrast medium therein andthe second compartment comprises a flushing fluid therein.